Ryan Hughes just called the Racer X office to tell us that, after an extensive exam from Dr. Schleimer in California, he has been told that his head can't take another concussion and that he must retire from racing.
"Dr. Schleimer ordered me - with great reluctance - to retire from motocross and supercross racing," said Hughes, who rode for Team Honda this year but spent most of his career with Team Kawasaki. "Unfortunately, I have to pass on the deal I was offered from McGrath Racing to be Jeremy's teammate in 2002."
Hughes, 28, leaves behind a legacy of never-surrender racing. From his early days as a Team Green prospect to his victory at the 2000 Motocross des Nations in France, Ryno built a reputation as a hard charger, a fierce competitor and a world-class rider. He paid the price, too, with numerous
concussions, broken wrists and, during practice at Steel City, a broken scapula, clavicle, thumb and three ribs, plus a third-degree burn on the back on his leg. While in the Westmoreland County Hospital near Pittsburgh, Hughes and his wife, Jennifer, discussed the possibility of him taking some time off and coming back with McGrath Racing, but the doctor now says
that racing is no longer an option and that he must retire.
Thanks for the memories, Ryno. We'll miss watching you charge!